Su hoping to use North America trip to boost exchanges

By Rich Chang / Staff reporter, with CNA

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) left yesterday on a trip to the US and Canada.

Prior to his departure from the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Su said the primary purpose of the visit was to exchange views with government officials and party leaders on issues related to Taiwan and neighboring countries.

“We hope to increase understanding through exchanges,” he said.

Su is expected to speak at two Washington-based think tanks: the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Brookings Institute. He is also to meet with Taiwanese-American communities to deepen their understanding of the party and promote the DPP’s international image.

While in Washington, Su is scheduled to formally open the party’s representative office in the US on Friday.

Su’s 11-day visit will take him to Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Washington, Toronto and Vancouver.

One party source said Su’s trip is aimed at developing the DPP’s international brand and image.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the trip, said the party assessed the timing of the visit for about six months.

Since Su became party chairman in May last year, the DPP has reinstated its representative office in the US and its China Affairs Department, set up a China Affairs Committee and issued a blue paper on national defense.

“We wanted to inform the international community of the efforts the DPP has made over the past year,” the source said.

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